John Bantle, assistant dean for research in the College of Arts and Sciences and regents professor of Zoology at Oklahoma State University, will become Ohio University's new vice president for research Sept. 1.

Bantle said he responded to an advertisement OU placed in the Chronicle of Higher Education. A search committee chaired by Gary Small, professor of chemistry, selected him for the position.

Provost Sharon Brehm said Bantle was the best choice.

"He was one of a large pool of candidates for the position, and I'm sure that he will be a great asset to Ohio University as we seek to enhance our research effort," she said in an e-mail message.

Among other aspects, Bantle's position entails promoting OU's research mission and organizing externally sponsored research and technology commercialization, according to a news release.

"A big part of my job is helping faculty members get funded," Bantle said. "I also work with and mentor (the faculty members)."

Bantle said he will oversee research to make sure it is compliant and investigate cases of scientific misconduct.

He also will approve and monitor experiments involving people or animals.

Bantle said he has not decided what kinds of goals or changes he wants to implement in this position until he gets a "better feeling for the environment at OU."

However, he said he did have a general objective for his new job in Athens, Ohio.

"What I'm going to try to do is establish an excellent research environment," he said. "I want to make it easier to seek, obtain and operate more grants."

Despite looking forward to a new job and a new home, Bantle said he will miss OSU.

"We've had a long relationship here," he said. "It's hard to leave my research. You get attached."

OU President Robert Glidden said he was pleased Bantle decided to come to OU.

"As associate dean for research in the College of Arts and Sciences at Oklahoma State University, he has had experience with research in a wide range of disciplines," he said in an e-mail message.

"He brings an enthusiasm for the research mission of a university that is critical for someone in this position," he said.